Strawberry culture. Propagation of quality planting stock in soilless culture.

Abstract

Results of studies conducted in Belgium to assess (1) the effects of culture medium (different benzyladenine concentrations) in vitro on subsequent runner and fruit production by plants derived from meristem culture, (2) production of F1 plants in blocks (peat and coir, 1:1), and (3) production of runners by different types of mother plants (either placed under plastic in February and transferred to the nursery outside in spring, or transferred directly to the nursery in spring) are reported. Culture medium composition affected plant performance, particularly rate of runner production. With plant production in blocks, early planting of F1 frigo plants in the nursery resulted in better runner production than that of meristem plants. The best results were obtained for F1 plants raised in blocks and left in the glasshouse until planting at the beginning of April. Similar results were obtained for the F1 plants raised in blocks in the third study. Planting directly in the nursery in April avoided the need for planting under covers, but it was difficult to maintain good conditions for plant growth in March.